Job Description:

Who We Are

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world through education. Grounded in the Wesleyan tradition, SPU seeks to graduate students of competence and character who are prepared for lives of service and leadership.

Residence Life plays a central role in the student experience by cultivating Christ-centered residential communities where students grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, Residence Life staff help students explore their identity, deepen their faith, and discover their sense of vocation and calling.

What We Need

The Area Coordinator for Upper Division Housing (AC) is a professional live-in educator responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, fun, and transformative residential learning experience for undergraduate students at Seattle Pacific University.

A leadership position within Residence Life, the AC supervises professional Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) and student staff serving upper-division residential communities. The AC provides mentorship and supervision to staff, supports student development initiatives, and oversees key administrative functions within Residence Life.

The Area Coordinator may also assume departmental responsibilities in the absence of the Director or Assistant Director and contributes to the strategic leadership of the residential program.

What You’ll Do

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor professional Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) and undergraduate Resident Advisors serving 3rd Year+ residences.

• Teach, train, supervise, and evaluate 8–10 Resident Advisors.

• Contribute to the training and development of Residence Life staff, including participation in fall staff training, RA leadership courses, and staff development sessions.

• Assist in recruitment and hiring processes for student staff, graduate assistants, and professional Residence Life staff.

Student Learning & Mentorship

• Build strong mentoring relationships with students and maintain visibility within the residential community.

• Facilitate and support student learning outcomes through programming and mentorship focused on:

  • Community and leadership development

  • Faith formation and Christian service

  • Cultural understanding and engagement

  • Vocation and calling

  • Health and wellness

  • Academic success and integrated learning

• Guide students through mediation, student conduct processes, and wellness support.

Community Development

• Foster Christ-centered residential communities that support student belonging, growth, and leadership development.

• Teach and advise student leaders or graduate assistants who support residential community initiatives.

Residence Administration

• Oversee key operational functions including openings, closings, room changes, and housing processes.

• Support undergraduate housing selection.

• Collaborate with campus partners including Housing, Facilities & Project Management, and Dining Services to enhance residential environments.

• Assist in assessing capital improvement needs for residential facilities.

• Utilize systems such as Microsoft Office, StarRez, Banner, and Confluence.

Safety & Emergency Response

• Participate in a back-up on-call rotation, providing supervision and support to Residence Life staff responding to incidents and emergencies affecting approximately 1,000 residential students.

• Serve as a Building Emergency Coordinator and assist with campus emergency response.

Administrative Leadership

• Oversee one major administrative assignment within Residence Life, typically including leadership of Resident Advisor staff training.

Collaborative Leadership

• Work collaboratively with Residence Life staff and campus partners to support student success.

• Serve on departmental and university committees.

• Foster a team culture grounded in trust, humility, respect, and shared decision-making.

Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing professional development related to student affairs practice and inclusive student engagement.

• Strengthen skills related to supporting historically underrepresented students and fostering intercultural learning in a predominantly white institution.

What You Bring

Education

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Developmental Psychology, Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• 2–3 years of professional experience working directly with college students in a residential or student affairs setting.

Student Development Expertise

• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and supervise student leaders in a residential learning environment.

Commitment to Inclusive Community

• Understanding of and commitment to engaging students across diverse identities and supporting the success of historically underrepresented students.

Mission Alignment

• A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community.

​The Essentials

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

• Ability to mentor students and develop student leaders.

• Excellent interpersonal and conflict mediation skills.

• Ability to respond to crisis situations and support student wellbeing.

• Ability to collaborate across campus departments.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn university housing and student systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience working with college students in a residential or student affairs setting.

• Experience supervising professional staff.

• Familiarity with student conduct systems, housing software, or residential management platforms.

Salary & Benefits

This 11-month (August through June) live-in position offers a salary range of $54,770 – $55,770 annually (DOE) and includes a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement plan with generous university contribution

• Paid holidays

• Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents

• Professional development opportunities

Additional Information:

How to Apply

Apply online through the Seattle Pacific University Careers website:

https://spu.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/SPU

Applicants should be prepared to upload:

• Resume

• Cover letter describing their interest in the role and connection to SPU’s mission